The history of 3×3 basketball is being made as the first-ever women’s FIBA 3×3 competition is being launched in China. The inaugural event, which lasts until 1 June, has kicked off in Chengdu, with eight teams competing, namely, Australia, China, France, Japan, Mongolia, the Netherlands, Ukraine and the USA. In the new women’s series, teams will be selected for events based on team ranking and each team will represent their national federation.

“This will represent a unique opportunity to bring new countries into focus as well as for the best players to prepare and offer an amazing show at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.” said FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis in a statement.

The sport of 3×3 is considered the world’s number one urban team sport. The innovative twist on basketball sees teams with three players, face off on a basketball half-court.

The Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games was the sport’s international breakthrough and in 2017 it was added to the Olympic programme; it will make its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020.